Suebsak won 7 Asian Games gold medals, including his last at the 2010 Games in Hangzhou, China. Each gold medal came with a 2 million baht (approximately USD 57,000) bonus. However, athletes like Suebsak received only 100,000 baht (approximately USD 2,800). The remaining 1.9 million baht (approximately USD 54,000) was allegedly withheld by a group without explanation.
The Thai women's sepak takraw team faced a similar situation. Five athletes who won gold medals should have received 2 million baht for individual gold medals and another 2 million baht for the team event. Instead, they collectively received only 2.1 million baht (approximately USD 59,000).
In total, the Thai men's and women's sepak takraw teams are claiming 9.5 million baht (approximately USD 268,000) in withheld bonuses.
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Suebsak and his post exposing the withheld bonus money. Photo: Siamsport |
Suebsak and his post exposing the withheld bonus money. Photo: Siamsport
Suebsak subsequently posted on social media to raise awareness. The Takraw Association of Thailand has launched multiple investigations, but the money has yet to be returned. "We want the money because the athletes still need to eat and spend. 9.5 million baht is a significant sum. If this money was given to a few teammates as a thank you, it would be understandable. But the deducted amount is too high. They also want to know if the deducted money actually reached other athletes," Suebsak told Siam Sport.
On 19/8, Suebsak filed a complaint with the Khlong Luang police in Pathum Thani province. "I want the money returned as soon as possible because it's the athletes' right. They have waited for a long time," he stated.
Thana Chaiprasit, President of the Takraw Association of Thailand, has urged all parties to resolve the issue quickly.
Sepak takraw originated in Southeast Asia. Thailand and Malaysia are considered the first countries to officially include the sport in competitions, starting with the 1965 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games.
Sepak takraw has flourished in Thailand, becoming a national sport with a rich history and well-established training system. Thailand is a founding nation and leader in sepak takraw development, particularly in team events, achieving impressive results in international tournaments such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, World Cup, and World Championships.
Thailand has invested heavily in developing sepak takraw, fostering nationwide participation and producing a large pool of skilled athletes.
More than just a sport, sepak takraw is integral to Thai culture and national identity, with unique celebrations and a strong competitive spirit.
Thanh Nhan (Siamsport)
